Tag Archives: satan

Depending upon the time of day, I like to listen to the radio while I write. During today’s news update, there were two murder suicide’s featured in the area. After watching an episode of Lost Season 1 last night, one scene came to my mind, a conversation between Locke (Terry O’Quinn) and Jack (Matthew Fox). Locke suggested that some people look like the Devil is chasing them. In the case of these four victims, they didn’t run fast enough to avoid death.

After [Judas had taken] the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly [without delay],” John 13:27.

In the passage above, Jesus makes the statement Satan entered Judas Iscariot during the last supper. Bible commentaries suggest this possession accelerated Judas’ desire to betray Jesus. Knowing what was about to come, Jesus exhorts Judas to finish his plan without delay. Unfortunately, the moment individuals think things through in their mind, the act of sin quickly follows. By this time, it’s often too late to turn back. Using the analogy above, the Devil has caught you from behind and won’t let go.

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” [for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws]; for God cannot be tempted by [what is] evil, and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion). 15 Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death, James 1:13-15.

Temptation is like a classic car chase scene from a movie. Initially, the good character is in the clear, far from harm. However, as this pursuit continues chaos, distractions and traffic place the bad guy within striking distance. Unless you flee from evil, minds will eventually embrace earthly desires. Thus, the more you stare at temptation, it’s only a matter of time before the Devil grabs ahold of your life. Therefore, be alert, on guard and keep watch so you stay well out of the Devil’s reach.

If you enjoy watching sporting events, it doesn’t take much for emotions to fluctuate between highs and lows. Certain games are considered instant classics, known as back and forth affairs with momentum constantly changing. Last Sunday’s National Football League playoff game between the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles is a perfect example, leaving most fans on the edge of their seats until the final play. In the final minute, both teams seemed destined to advance to the next round. A 43 yard field goal was the difference, at least until a late whistle nullified the game winning kick. Minutes later the kick that counted was partially blocked, hit the left upright, then the cross bar before bouncing backward in the field of play. In one of the strangest finishes ever, this game was the epitome of high to low.

Then it happened when Saul turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart; and all those signs came to pass that day. 10 When they came to the hill [Gibeah], behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came on him mightily, and he prophesied [under divine guidance] among them, 1 Samuel 10:9-10.

Prior to the creation of the earth, an archangel known as Lucifer was one of the highest ranking spiritual entities in heaven. An Old Testament prophet highlights the beauty of this angel of song in Ezekiel 28. The best way to encapsulate Lucifer’s appearance is imagine the most magnificent pipe organ in the world, able to hit any note with perfection. Combine this talent with the most gorgeous gems in the universe, majestic wings and beauty beyond belief. These qualities formed this amazing angelic being. Yet, as God the Father revealed his plan for creation, mankind would be elevated to a higher status than angels. This didn’t sit too well with Lucifer, mulling the details over with other angels. The seeds of rebellion were sown during these discussions. Thus, when the Lord asked for Lucifer’s support, Satan refused, kicked out of heaven in an instant, sent from the high as an archangel to a lowly demon on earth.

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble,” James 4:6.

As a parent, the birth of our three children were some of the greatest days of my life. In the days that followed, there were many firsts: crawling, talking and walking. While raising children can be exhausting, the rewards and satisfaction was worth all the hard work, sweat and tears. Yet, as children grow up, life can become a long emotional roller coaster going from high to low, low to high and back down again. If you live for the moment, these waves of emotion will wear you out. Perhaps, this may explain why Jesus wants his followers to live by faith, not by sight. Sure, even strong believers wrestle with doubt, especially when the lows outnumber the highs. Nonetheless, failures bring individuals closer to God via humility. Meanwhile, the cocky are brought down to earth as God opposes the proud. Thus, as you wait for the next ride, lean on God’s grace when you fall so you can appreciate the journey back up.

In the 1966 Christmas classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the narrator blames the Grinch’s attitude on an abnormally small heart. As the citizens of Who-ville began to sing carols in preparation of Christmas, the Grinch started to devise a plan to steal their joy. From a spiritual perspective, the Grinch represents Satan, seeking to steal, kill and destroy any glimpse of the real meaning of Christmas. Yet, as his plan was interrupted by Little Cindy Lou Who, God used this child to penetrate the Grinch’s soul. In one instant, when the meaning of Christmas was revealed, the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes that day.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows], John 10:10.

The medical term for an enlarged heart is cardiomegaly. This isn’t a disease, but rather a sign of another condition. For example, during pregnancy, some mothers develop an enlarged heart. This condition is usually temporary because of stress on your body. Cardiomegaly can also be brought on by the weakening of the heart muscle, coronary artery disease or heart valve problems. After three visits to a local cardiologist, I have been diagnosed with an enlarged heart. My doctor wasn’t concerned, rather he wants me to come back in a year to monitor this condition. Nonetheless, I do have something in common with the Grinch, an enlarged heart.

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh, Ezekiel 36:26.

Throughout the Bible, there is an emphasis on pursuing a new heart. The context of this reference is usually within a prayer. King David asked God for a new heart after committing adultery and murder. The prophet Jeremiah reveals how hearts can become deceitful, longing for fleshly desires instead of obeying God’s commands. King Solomon refers to the heart as the well spring to life. As I complete my 2500th blog, my prayer is that the Lord will create in me a new heart, full of forgiveness, love and mercy. When individuals begin to demonstrate enlarged hearts seasoned with God’s grace, this world will become a better place to live.

Nearly five years ago, I was finishing up a normal day of work at Amazon. After bruising a rib during a sledding accident the week earlier, I wasn’t moving too well but felt fine. Thirty minutes before the end of my shift, I sneezed. A few minutes later, I started having trouble breathing. I sat down, thinking everything would be fine. Moments later I collapsed as a co-worker rushed to get a paramedic on site. Before I knew, I was rushed to a hospital in the back of an ambulance, placed into a Cat-Scan machine to see what was wrong. The diagnosis, two broken ribs and a partially collapse lung.

So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with loathsome boils and agonizingly painful sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 And Job took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself, and he sat [down] among the ashes (rubbish heaps), Job 2:7-8.

In the aftermath of my emergency surgery, I was forced to take a leave of absence. Despite a signed note from my doctors, I wasn’t cleared to return for five weeks. This event caused a major financial strain as well as delaying a promotion for another five months. Although my insurance covered most all my hospital bills, I owned over three thousand dollar for two ambulances, one to the hospital and the other to Christiana for my operation. No matter how prepared you may be in life, only God knows when your next emergency will arrive.

Then his wife said to him, “Do you still cling to your integrity [and your faith and trust in God, without blaming Him]? Curse God and die!” 10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the [spiritually] foolish women speaks [ignorant and oblivious to God’s will]. Shall we indeed accept [only] good from God and not [also] accept adversity and disaster?” In [spite of] all this Job did not sin with [words from] his lips, Job 2:9-10.

My wife Leanne and I recently started a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace class. This course covers financial planning topics throughout nine sessions. While I can’t make any judgments from one week, the goal of this small group study is to prepare couples and families for financial emergencies. In the passage above, Job and his wife argue following the death of their children in a horrific storm, possibly a tornado. While Job’s wife had given up hope, Job’s relationship with God helped him remain optimistic. Since only God knows the future, make sure you start planning for the future now so that you become a good steward of the resources God provides.

Whether you accept this premise or not, there are dueling forces that exist on earth. Previous illustrations have depicted an angel with wings whispering into one ear, with a demon urging individuals to do the exact opposite. Former atheist C.S. Lewis referred to this invisible tug of war as dualism. This theological term believes there are two equal and independent powers at the back of everything, one of them good and the other bad, and that this universe is the battlefield in which they fight out an endless war.

But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts], Galatians 5:16.

The apostle Paul applies spiritual elements to dualism in the passage above, revealing the Holy Spirit as the positive force and sinful nature as a series of negative impulses. The presence of this spiritual battles make appreciating the little things in life difficult. As soon as your heart is pierced by conviction, minds are bombarded by disparaging thoughts to diminish that which you should be thankful for. Perhaps, this may explain the apostle Paul’s advice in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 about taking your thoughts captive.

For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do, Galatians 5:17.

One of Satan’s objectives is to turn joyful Christians into cynical souls, void of any excitement, hope or life. When cold water is poured out over a blazing fire, it does little to extinguish the flames. However, as steady rains persist like Tropical Storm Florence, drenching tired and weary believers with a deluge of trials, it doesn’t take long for even the strong to become comfortably numb. In view of this harsh reality, prepare your heart, soul and mind for the powers of darkness, Ephesians 6:12. Submit to God, resist the Devil and let your faith become rooted in Christ so that future storms won’t hinder your ability to appreciate the little things in life.

There are certain expressions, quotes and sayings that have become synonymous with Hollywood films. Whether its “show me the money” in Jerry Maguire, “how about them apples” via Good Will Hunting or “you can’t handle the truth” from A Few Good Men, these scenes seem to transcend time. While these classic lines are proclaimed by fictional characters, one of these phrases is a touchy subject for demons.

You believe that God is one; you do well [to believe that]. The demons also believe [that], and shudder and bristle [in awe-filled terror—they have seen His wrath]! – James 2:19

On the surface, demons are spiritual entities associated with the devil and evil. According to the Bible, one third of the angels in heaven exercised their freewill, backing Lucifer’s plot to exalt himself. This coup against God the Father was immediately exposed, resulting in their expulsion from heaven. Upon falling to earth, these fallen angels have aligned themselves with the devil, aka Satan, formerly the archangel Lucifer. This former angel of song uses a plethora of sneaky methods to hide that which is true. Corruption, deceit and lies are sown to delay the inevitable, the wrath of God.

Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he answered, “Legion”; because many demons had entered him. 31 They continually begged Him not to command them to go into the abyss, Luke 8:30-31.

While Jesus’ earthly brother explains why demons believe and fear God, a first century doctor goes into further details on this subject. The Bible refers to the abyss as the regions of hell, a bottomless pit, a place of eternal suffering without ceasing. This fact serves as a clear and present danger for fallen angels. Demons can’t handle the truth because hell is their eternal destiny. From their perspective, the more souls they can drag down with them, the better. In view of this spiritual reality, test everything you hear with the Bible so that half truths will be exposed and the truth will set you free.

Whenever a team receives awards, praise and recognition, there is a temptation for the best athletes/players to take most of the credit. Yet, God uses a series of events, methods and situations to prevent success from going to your head. At the height of the apostle Paul’s missionary journeys, thousands of people came to faith in Christ. Instead of saying, “look at how great I am,” Paul became inflicted with a painful physical ailment. This condition forced Paul to rely on the Lord for strength. God used what little energy Paul possessed to demonstrate how great the Lord can work in spite of our weaknesses.

Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself! – 2 Corinthians 12:7

While Jews lived as slaves for nearly 400 years within Egypt, God called one man to confront their leader. The only problem is that this man, Moses, suffered from a severe speech impediment. In other words, Moses stuttered regularly, especially when he was nervous. Despite this disability, God wanted Moses to be the one to lead Israel’s exodus out of Egypt. Initially, God gave Moses a safety blanket, his brother Aaron to speak for him. However, at some point the Holy Spirit empowered Moses to have the courage and words to stand up to Pharaoh. Throughout this ordeal. Moses learned that God can use a faithful stutterer to do things that was once unimaginable for someone with this condition.

Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; 9 but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me, 2 Corinthians 12:8-9.

As I look back on my own life, I was never a good student until high school. I endured a learning disability which led to a fifth grade reading level while in tenth grade. When you add this to my own speech impediment, regularly stammering words, the odds were against me. Yet, in my many weaknesses, Christ has become a strong influence in my life. Although I am no longer a high school teacher, my former fear of speaking in public has vanished. Sure, I probably could have done more with my life. Nonetheless, God uses what little you and I have to demonstrate how great God is.